Katy Dryer Developer Hopes for City, Community Support as Delays Impact Project
- ncookclark
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 9, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
The exciting Phase II of The Dryer renovation project is experiencing delays. The Katy City Council will meet tonight for their regularly scheduled meeting and discuss and vote on forming an advisory board to help create the Historic Preservation Commission to help with the project.
The Dryer in downtown Katy is known as the historic backdrop and landmark of the city. In 2021 a Katy resident and developer bought it with big plans to turn it into an entertainment district for the community to enjoy as they sat amongst history. Now the project is experiencing delays due to denied approvals.
Dryer developer and Katy resident Hadi (Andrew) Nurcahya had big plans for The Dryer when he bought the historic Katy landmark in 2021. Nurcahya described the endeavor as being a “passion project” that would take time to renovate the landmark, but that he was dedicated to making this a special place for the Katy people.
“My inspiration came from the Magnolia Silo in Waco and The Pearl in San Antonio,” says Nurcahya, the developer for The Dryer. “We are incorporating more heritage and history with our venue due to our deep roots here in Katy for Trains and Rice Farming.”
Last year Phase I, which involved the Katy Beer Garden opened to the Katy people. Phase II has plans to open the JV Cardiff Dryer itself to the public, allowing residents to be able to touch this piece of Katy history.
Phase II includes six micro vendors, a playground, ridable train and model train exhibit. Vendors will be mostly food and beverages. Visitors will be able to enjoy different options with international flare. A large green space will be available for events.
Phase II currently has no set timeline for completion as Nurcahya continues to run into delays.
“We, like many Katy businesses, are very overburdened by the City of Katy building department,” explains Nurcahya, who struggles to get approval on building plans. When he is denied he also isn’t told the reason and is unable to meet with the people who make the decisions for guidance.
“It’s frustrating because we see double standards everywhere,” says Nurcahya, who cites an example of his required parking lot when other businesses are allowed to follow different practices.
Such delays are keeping him from moving forward on many of the exciting plans for the space, but it isn’t stopping his sense to make this project about the community.
Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Dryer hosts a community Farmer’s Market. Everyone is welcome to park at Katy Beer Garden and walk towards the silos to find great, local vendors.
This market continues to grow and Nurcahya hopes to do more events of this nature in the future to bring the community together but continues to be stuck on approvals such as adding convenient bathrooms for those who come to events.
The Dryer is an old structure but also a strong one.
“People don’t realize it’s the strongest building in Katy because of the concrete structure,” says Nurcahya. “These structures are where I’d want to be during a tornado.”
The problem is that most building codes weren’t written with structures like them in mind. They aren’t compatible for projects like The Dryer. This is why the creation of a committee dedicated to preserving The Dryer is necessary.
“Everything that we are doing is sensible and thoughtful,” explains Nurcahya. “We want what’s best for The Dryer and this community.”
City of Katy Council Meeting Tonight
Tonight, February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. the City of Katy Council will discuss the creation of a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Advisory Group.
“If approved, this group will help formulate the ordinances necessary to establish a formal Historical Preservation Board,” says Nurcahya. “This is a pivotal step toward protecting the rice dryers and other historic landmarks that define our community.”
Nurcahya hopes to have a strong community showing tonight. There are two ways people can help.
“We are looking for individuals to share their thoughts (up to 3 minutes),” says Nurcahya “Tell the Mayor and Council why saving the rice dryers matters to you and the future of Katy.”
“If public speaking isn’t your thing, your presence alone speaks volumes,” says Nurcahya . “A packed room shows our leaders that historical preservation is a priority for their constituents.”
While the obstacles that The Dryer faces are frustrating, Nurcahya says that he truly appreciates everyone who has reached out to their council members and the Mayor.
“We also want to thank our City Council for their willingness to address this issue,” says Nurcahya.
While Nurcahya is thankful for the ongoing success of The Katy Beer Garden, he does need this entertainment project to move forward so that The Dryer can be preserved and enjoyed.
“Eventually, if nothing is done, I’ll be damaged financially, professionally, and personally,” explains Nurcahya. “I’m not a big developer and I never thought the city would make things difficult.”
He hopes for success tonight and that the committee will be approved so that The Dryer project can continue to move forward.
“I believe the JV Cardiff Rice Dryer being such a significant symbol for the City of Katy,” says Nurcahya. “Building a community gathering place while promoting Katy's history and tourism are our main goals.”
Follow The Dryer on Facebook for information as this exciting space continues to be developed for the enjoyment of Katy families.